The Nashville Wine Auction l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party Elevates the Weekend

During the summer season, many Nashvillians escape to the beach or mountains for a respite from the heat. Yet each year, the Nashville Wine Auction draws the social set back to town for a weekend-long marathon of wine — l’Eté du Vin. Now in its 46th year, the event gathers oenophiles to raise funds to fight cancer. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $42 million to fuel cancer research in Middle Tennessee and support vital services, such as Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee and Hope Lodge, which offer free or low-cost programs and lodging to people with cancer.

On a beautiful summer night, supporters of the Nashville Wine Auction gathered at the Four Seasons Nashville Hotel for the l’Eté du Vin Patrons Party. The black-tie evening began with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres, including tuna nigiri and foie gras mousse. The decadent bites teased the palate, inviting guests to anticipate the epicurean delights — crafted by executive chef Derek Simcik and banquet chef Patrick Hodge — that awaited them at dinner. 

The menu began with a citrus-cured salmon paired with a 2023 Tench Estate sauvignon blanc and a 2020 Château Pape Clément blanc. A seared scallop dish followed, paired with two stunning chardonnays: a 2021 Moone-Tsai Paige Cuvee chardonnay and a 2018 Domaine Henri Boillot premier cru Puligny Montrachet. 

The dinner continued with a wild mushroom gnocchi and finished with a lamb loin — paired beautifully with a series of cabernet sauvignons and Bordeaux blends. The pasta tasted even richer next to 2019 Napa Valley cabernets from Namo Wines and Dalecio Family Wines, and a 2009 Château Léoville Barton. And thoughtful pairings — a 2022 Zakin Estate cabernet sauvignon, a 2021 Flint Knoll cabernet sauvignon, and a 2014 Domaine de Chevalier — brought out the savory flavors in the lamb, making it taste even more dynamic.

The patrons party — an elevated evening before the main auction — is a way to collectively thank the vintners who make Nashville Wine Auction events possible and recognize anyone who has shown deep commitment to the organization. 

Once guests found their seats, event chair Denise Cummins welcomed them and thanked them for their continued support. She also recognized guests of honor Cherie and Philippe Melka of Melka Estates. 

To close the evening, Robert Lipman delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late father, reflecting on the impact he made and the lives he touched. He then presented the Norman M. Lipman Award to longtime Nashville Wine Auction supporters Cynthia and Elliot Himmelfarb for their unwavering support — from donating exquisite wines to hosting lavish events to bidding generously at the annual auction.